Intern, Space Systems, Geometric Software Engineer

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth. Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one. Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles. As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains. We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world. Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands. Internships at Planet: Planet’s Summer 2026 internships are full-time, paid 12-week positions located in our San Francisco HQ Office. Program Dates: June 1 - August 21 June 22 - September 11 About the Role: The Calibration and Validation (CalVal) team supports all of Planet's satellite constellations by ensuring the geometric and radiometric accuracy of every pixel we deliver. The team ensures Planet's data products are accurate and interoperable through rigorous Calibration and Validation (CalVal) processes. The CalVal team works at scale and affects millions of images and terabytes of data. We are seeking a geometric engineering intern with a foundation in software development and linear algebra to contribute to the development and evaluation of sensor camera models and transformation algorithms at the core of our imagery pipeline. This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our San Francisco office 3 days per week. Impact You'll Own: Collaborate on the assessment and implementation of sensor camera models and spatial transformers Designing and implementing automated scalable processes to apply to satellites to ensure that our products meet and exceed specifications and SLAs Collaborate within a cross functional team to develop performance models, error budgets and calibration concepts Troubleshooting geometric image quality issues and developing long-term mitigations and fixes What You Bring: Pursuing a degree in photogrammetry, engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related field relevant to the geometric characterization of space imaging platforms Hands-on, collaborative mindset with effective interpersonal skills Passion for programming, photography, remote sensing, Earth science, and geography Experience with scientific computing in Python in a Unix/Linux environment Experience with version control and CI/CD workflows What Makes You Stand Out: Strong foundation in linear algebra, coordinate transformations, and nonlinear optimization Practical experience solving problems using large cloud-based datasets Knowledge of scaling code with cloud computing resources such as AWS or GCP Application Deadline: April 13, 2026 at 11:59p PT EAR/ITAR Requirements: This position requires access to export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by the Bureau of Industry and Security and/or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Benefits While Working at Planet: These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy. Commuter Benefits Paid time off for ... (truncated, view full listing at source)